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All Forums >> [Current Games From Matrix.] >> [World War II] >> Uncommon Valor - Campaign for the South Pacific >> After Action Reports >>

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- 5/28/2003 1:09:30 PM

Raverdave

Posts: 6520
Joined: 2/8/2002
From: Melb. Australia
Status: offline

Yeah this has happened to me more times than I care to recall......allied Naval Search sucks! :mad: Luskan, Drongo and Doomedmantis have sailed/snuck large CV TFs as far south as Brisbane, I have no idea that they are close until they launch! I can have everything that has a wing up and flying and still get caught!

_____________________________

Never argue with an idiot, he will only drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

(in reply to wobbly)

Post #: 61

- 5/28/2003 3:16:04 PM

wobbly

Posts: 1095
Joined: 10/16/2002
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Status: offline

Back to quiet time, his CV's bug out as can be expected. Still have not had my F4F's upgraded :(
There are 3 subs parked outside Cairns - I have set the bombers at Cairns and Cooktown to ASW. The FT TF is returning and has to run the gauntlet of all these subs.

The most damaged AP from Herbie's attack has sunk.

Saratoga and Enterprise are now 8 days out.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/12/42

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 19,41

Japanese Ships
AO Iro

Allied Ships
SS Tautog

She cannot find anymore torpedoes with functional detonators!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
H6K Mavis x 2

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
H6K Mavis x 2

no losses

Oh agreed raverdave no recon absolutely sux unless of course it's him that falls foul of it - then it's great!

There is that horrible feeling when you see "E8? Dave scouts AP,AP, SC at Wunpuko" and you go - Ohh cr@p they don't have that range something is coming - then a Val recons them and you go Double cr@p.

_____________________________

(in reply to wobbly)

Post #: 62

Vehicles and guns surviving sinkings - 5/29/2003 5:27:35 AM

wobbly

Posts: 1095
Joined: 10/16/2002
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Status: offline

To me it appears unrealistic that vehicles, and to a lesser extent guns, can be saved when a ship at sea carrying them sinks.

Best example I can find (not at sea though)

Air attack on TF, near Wunpuko at 51,51

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
D3A Val x 17
B5N Kate x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
B5N Kate x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Feland, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
SC 644, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
AK Adhara, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
AP Pierce, Torpedo hits 4, on fire, heavy damage
AK Almaack, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage
AK Lycaon, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 111
Vehicles lost 1

How the hell would you do it? Some ships had cranes but any list would make them almost unusable. Look at the combat result from Herbie's attack against Wunpuko and you can see I loose 1 vehicle. The ship carrying his vehicle held half the seebee unit that was being carried! The rest make it to the beach. Granted this isn't a sea hex but it still seems a little unrealistic.

Maybe we should have a "beach" button in conjunction with "scuttle" button?
If you have a transporting ship smashed, and they are in a beach/base hex, you could have the ship "beach". This would loose you some supplies, vehicles and guns, but allow you to unload the rest. Once the ship is empty it is removed from the game as if scuttled.

_____________________________

(in reply to wobbly)

Post #: 63

- 5/30/2003 12:37:56 PM

wobbly

Posts: 1095
Joined: 10/16/2002
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Status: offline

I take it no one likes the idea about beaching - maybe I should stick to AAR's rather than making suggestions :D

It's all about undersea warfare this turn - his ships run the gauntlet of my only functional arm of attack and got off reasonably lightly. No subs are attacked which is incredible considering the amount of attempts that were made.

He has again attacked at PM - There has been some FT work and it was probably supplies.

He has also moved a few ships to Buna and Dobadora.

This nudges me into putting my well rested A-24 sqd back into PM and they are set to naval attack. To hold PM I have also got 5 sqds of medium bombers to suppress his ground attack troops - they are going in at 10000 ft as I think he has been parking LRCAP at about 7000 ft.

Wunpuko is still unloading but now I am very worried about his carriers doing a repeat of their last little escapade. I also noted a BB at or about Lunga last turn - please patrols - do your thing!!

He is reconing Cairns and cooktown with Nells - so I have set kittyhawk sqds to CAP 21000 ft no idea if that makes any difference.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/13/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 20,39

Japanese Ships
AP Canberra Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-40

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 20,39

Japanese Ships
AP Canberra Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS S-40

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 12,42

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 17

Allied Ships
SS S-37

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 11,42

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 24, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

Mk 14 torps do it again - ship sinks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 17,44

Japanese Ships
DD Yayoi

Allied Ships
SS S-38

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 18,43

Japanese Ships
CL Tenryu

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 19,41

Japanese Ships
AP Canberra Maru

Allied Ships
SS Tautog

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
H6K Mavis x 2

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17008 troops, 225 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 9344 troops, 79 guns, 1 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 115
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 200

My FT ships are on antisub work - they are very worn now though - a new surface group is on its way over - 2CA's and some DD's.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_____________________________

(in reply to wobbly)

Post #: 64

- 5/31/2003 5:49:04 AM

wobbly

Posts: 1095
Joined: 10/16/2002
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Status: offline

Things are starting to hot up again.

Over in NG a carrier TF (4 sighted CV's) parks itself north of Buna and launches a strike against the troops at PM. The forces at Lea Lea attack my troops - as an aside I am getting no supplies here - why is this? Surely supplies can come from PM?
He has moved another small unit to Lea Lea - heavily outnumbering me but hasn't managed to destroy the unit there. My hold on NG is getting more tenuous now - either way I am very happy with how we managed.
In the Solomons a transport TF has pulled into Lunga - the base there is now size 3 so I will have to watch out soon as to level bombers.
I get a CW sighting of a CV and BB plus extra ships - just above Irau. I don't know what this is - could be a surface group with a CV mis-sighting or a Air group with a BB in it (or maybe the BB is a mis-sighting). Likely a surface group as he already has CV's over by NG. They aren't in the same hex upon day break so I think they are on thre way south.

Either way these ships are threatening luganville and the Wunpuko operation. As always the enemy wont play to your dance card so I point my Wunpuko base unit at Lunganville rather than Wunpuko; move the fueler TF out to open ocean with orders to retire back to luganville and order the fueler TF heading for Wunpuko to head for Efate. I also create another surface TF, under Lee, with 1 CA and 7 DD's. They are moving to Luganville.
Luganville air has at last been bolstered by F4F-4's with 36 planes now this puts my air support way behind the 8 ball so the new air base unit is going to be needed. The 3 dauntless sqds are set to Naval attack - doubt he will stay in range but if my surface group reacts there may be wounded for them to look after!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/14/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 8,53

Japanese Ships
SS I-29

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 8,53

Japanese Ships
SS I-1, Shell hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
DD Arunta, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Patterson

2 different subs in the same hex (see above) - Arunta is heavily holed - 20 sys 90 float 25 fires 4 hexes from Cairns - touch and go. I-1 is reported sunk though. Good night exp in these ships now - new surface group arriving Cairns this turn.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 170th Regiment, at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 19

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 14
B-25D Mitchell x 18
B-26B Marauder x 19

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 1 destroyed

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 2 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 1 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 78

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson at 10000 feet
3 x Hudson at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
8 x Hudson at 10000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
6 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 10000 feet
12 x B-25D Mitchell at 10000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 10000 feet

He was patrolling at a lower height and the fighters have to climb. A Marauder destroys 1 zero and the rest bug out - he must have driven these guys a little hard. The medium bombers rest this turn and the fortresses take over.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 94th Coast AA Regiment, at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 39
D3A Val x 24

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 6 damaged - still some teeth to this AAA unit.

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Dobadura at 13,38

Allied aircraft
A-24 Dauntless x 12

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Ceylon Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire

That little ruse worked. The A-24's will bomb again this turn (assuming un-CAPed targets) and then fly back to Oz.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lea Lea

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1679 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 262 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 6

With no supplies for the men this is a real worry!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_____________________________

(in reply to wobbly)

Post #: 65

- 5/31/2003 11:39:16 AM

wobbly

Posts: 1095
Joined: 10/16/2002
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Status: offline

No attacks down by Luganville - possibly what I surveyed was the DD's going to Irau. 2 DD's hit mines depositing the infantry unit there.
I get another CA, CL and 4 DDs, they go to Luganville to defend it.
The unloading of the air base unit at Luganville allows me to move the rest of the dauntless squadrans and another wildcat sqd to Luganville. That's 6 dauntless adn 2 wildcats - come on Herb bring your CV's back down again!
I load 1 AP to deliver more supplies to Wunpuko - hopefully small enough to go unnoticed.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/15/42

Weather: Overcast

Air attack on Port Moresby , at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 10
D3A Val x 66
B5N Kate x 79

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 2 damaged

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 168

Attacking Level Bombers:
12 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
23 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
23 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet
21 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Allied aircraft
A-24 Dauntless x 12

no losses

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 17, Bomb hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Allied aircraft
A-24 Dauntless x 12

no losses

Japanese Ships
PC Ch 17, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

The A-24s again hit his navy - this ship sinks. I return the A-24s to cooktown.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_____________________________

(in reply to wobbly)

Post #: 66

- 5/31/2003 1:25:54 PM

wobbly

Posts: 1095
Joined: 10/16/2002
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Status: offline

Here they come!!

CV's in the gili slot and my subs attack a surface TF - unfortunately this sub had it's rear tubes destroyed, but I have been forced to kep using it.

All A-24's out of PM.

Herb has noticed the CA's at Cairns - I have fudged things a little by saying one is getting rid of flotation damage. The DD's and such are all hunting wabbits (or maybe that's subs).

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/16/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 18,44

Japanese Ships
DD Fumizuki
CA Mogami

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

No funditonal rear tubes :(

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Irau

Japanese Shock attack

Attacking force 1151 troops, 6 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 0 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 32 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Irau base !!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_____________________________

(in reply to wobbly)

Post #: 67

- 6/1/2003 8:20:54 AM

wobbly

Posts: 1095
Joined: 10/16/2002
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Status: offline

Some truely interesting incidents this turn!

Things are looking dire for the defenders of PM. The Aussie battalion is down to 45 assault strength but more importantly, they have had their supplies quartered. They are in serious danger of falling through lack of them now. My fortresses will not attack the ground troops in PM so Herb must be heavily guarding them. The good point is Lea Lea is hanging in there - the supplies that I flew in via PBY might just be doing the trick.

I am setting up a surface action against the ships at PM. THIS IS RISKY!!! Having been burnt already you'd think I might learn. However, the basic plan is gather the forces up by the top of the barrier reef. I have to then choose my time to attack very carefully - it is not the going in but the retreat that is the problem - he still has carriers below Gili. I have to make a decision as to retreating them back towards Cairns or right across the map towards Lunga - with Carriers he obviously has a very long reach!

In the east things are changing too. He is launching raids from Lunga with his betties - however the airstrip there is still only size 3! Thankfully he misses my tankers and they are going to move to Luganville having offloaded about half their fuel.
To try and alleviate the problems here I am going to bombard Lunga - hopefully catching a few transports in port. I will wait on tenderhooks as to whether the TF gets hit on the way there.

3 days until Saratoga and Enterprise.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/17/42

Weather: Rain

Sub attack near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied Ships
SS S-38

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 90
Guns lost 2

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 24
Port hits 14
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 5 ouch ouch ouch!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 11,42

Japanese Ships
CL Tama

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 38,37

Japanese Ships
AP Josho Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS S-46

This occurs over by Luganville.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Brisbane , at 22,77

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 15
D3A Val x 17
B5N Kate x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
AP Moreton Bay, Bomb hits 2, on fire
AP Katoomba, Bomb hits 1, on fire
AK Rhesus, Bomb hits 1

Port hits 10
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 1

Attacking Level Bombers:
21 x B5N Kate at 15000 feet

How's this for ballsy! All the transports are fine - they will need to go back to Noumea but I think he was hoping to catch a TF at sea - no dice. I was sending a previously damaged AK back to Noumea but his search planes don't see it. Raverdave - notice how again I don't scout his TF!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Efate Port Vila at 55,57

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 14

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 2 damaged

Allied Ships
AO Neosho
MSW Wollongong
AO Merrimack
AO Kanawha

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 5000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 5000 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 5000 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 9

Airbase hits 2
Runway hits 8
Port fuel hits 4
Port supply hits 5 - This is what is killing PM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Naval bombardment of Port Moresby, at 10,40

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 51

Airbase hits 4
Runway hits 9
Port fuel hits 1
Port supply hits 1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17457 troops, 222 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 8933 troops, 76 guns, 1 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 1 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese Assault reduces fortifications to 0

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 99
Guns lost 1

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 302
Guns lost 1

Starting to really loose combat capacity now. While I hold Lea Lea I have the chance to save the men though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Lea Lea

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 1667 troops, 1 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 256 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 0 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 7

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :)

_____________________________

(in reply to wobbly)

Post #: 68

PM falls - 6/1/2003 3:20:28 PM

wobbly

Posts: 1095
Joined: 10/16/2002
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Status: offline

PM falls!
They held out exceptionally well but that is all over now. However, WHY DID THEY NOT RETREAT?????
I still held Lea Lea and I lost all the troops bar the infantry, they of course will die next turn - I was sure if you had a retreat hex they would retreat.

Next turn I send in Lee to Lunga - he has some surface forces there but I am not sure what they contain totally - I have scouted 3 DDs.

I don't know where the CV's that attacked Brisbane so I have moved all the planes from Luganville back to Noumea - mainly to get ready to load into their carriers; then we go hunting!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/18/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 12,42

Japanese Ships
AP Hokuriku Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-37

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 10,41

Japanese Ships
AP Hokkai Maru, Torpedo hits 1
AP Nojima Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-40

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 26

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 170th Regiment, at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 29

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 5 damaged

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 31

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 10000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 11

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 6
B-25D Mitchell x 24
B-26B Marauder x 25

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 1 destroyed
B-25D Mitchell x 3 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 3 damaged

SLDR R.Rice of No. 32 Sqn RAAF bails out and is RESCUED

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
DD Yugure
CL Tama
DD Usugumo

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet

Coming out second here in the naval attack runs - loosing 3 or 4 medium bombers and 1 fortresses.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Port Moresby at 10,40

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 27

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 9
B-25D Mitchell x 23
B-26B Marauder x 17

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 2 damaged
B-25D Mitchell x 1 destroyed
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged
B-26B Marauder x 1 destroyed
B-26B Marauder x 2 damaged

CDR Y. Kozono of F1/Tainan Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Japanese Ships
BB Mutsu
CL Tama
DD Minazuki
DD Shiratsuyu
DD Yugure
DD Usugumo

Attacking Level Bombers:
2 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-26B Marauder at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 3,44

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 9
D3A Val x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 6 destroyed
D3A Val x 20 damaged

Allied Ships
DD Patterson
DD O'Brien
DD Stockton, Bomb hits 1, on fire
DD Wilkes
DD Ellet

My surface group getting ready to attack PM is found and attacked - luckily only one DD is hit - the ships in PM harbour are too powerful for my forces anyway so they are retreating to Townsville.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 10,41

LCDR A.Kawabata of Hiei-1 Chutai bails out and is RESCUED
Japanese Ships
AP Hokkai Maru, Torpedo hits 1

Allied Ships
SS S-40

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 13

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17300 troops, 221 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 8723 troops, 74 guns, 1 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 2 to 1 (fort level 0)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Port Moresby base !!!

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 145

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 5573
Guns lost 13

Look at those losses.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_____________________________

(in reply to wobbly)

Post #: 69

Bloody Mines! - 6/2/2003 4:30:05 AM

wobbly

Posts: 1095
Joined: 10/16/2002
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Status: offline

What this combat report wont tell you is that I ran into 2 mine fields on the way into Lunga - OUCH.
Either the DMS's needed refueling or the TF just decided to turn around due to damage, either way I don't make it to Lunga.
The ships are then open for air attack from Lunga and I loose Bagley.
It is possible that the retiring strike force from Brisbane could come this way in order to hit the crippples. Either way it looks like attacks into the Solomons are now a no-no, he has mined the hell out of the place. I knew I might met mines, hence the DMS's, but they are not up to the job.
In NG the enemy CV TF has moved up to the west of PM - trying to get my surface TF as it retired from attacking PM - obviously since I vetoed the operation, it isn't there. This time some troops retreat to Lea Lea and I may be able to pick some of them up after I clear the way there a little. 1 more turn and I get both CV's and then I am going hunting up by PM. He has 2 CV's and 1 CVL in the group there, if that is the way it stays I will overpower him. He may also be moving the Brisbane group up to join the PM group, also his operation may be over by the time I get there, and of course there is always weather. Such things are command made of!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/19/42

Weather: Clear

Air attack on TF at 41,44

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 3

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 3 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Louisville, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 40,42

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 18

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 17 damaged

Allied Ships
DMS Zane
DD Bagley, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Dewey
DD Cushing
DD Dunlap

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
3 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
2 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet
4 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

Bagley had already hit a mine and these 2 torps are the coup de grace.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 41,44

Japanese aircraft
G4M1 Betty x 2

Japanese aircraft losses
G4M1 Betty x 1 destroyed
G4M1 Betty x 1 damaged

Allied Ships
CA Louisville, on fire, heavy damage

Attacking Level Bombers:
1 x G4M1 Betty at 200 feet

Louisville hit 3 - yes 3 - mines. 50 sys 60 float 17 fire. I am so hard on my cruiser forces. I don't know in what state his betties will be to repeat these attacks - he only lost 3 but a few did get damaged.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ground combat at Port Moresby

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 17207 troops, 219 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 3316 troops, 26 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 19 to 1 (fort level 0)

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 716

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_____________________________

(in reply to wobbly)

Post #: 70

- 6/2/2003 5:12:53 PM

Raverdave

Posts: 6520
Joined: 2/8/2002
From: Melb. Australia
Status: offline

[QUOTE]Originally posted by wobbly
[B] Raverdave - notice how again I don't scout his TF!!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[/B][/QUOTE]

I am telling you that it will drive you mad how close the IJN can get to your bases without detection!

So how many troops do you have left in Australia?

_____________________________

Never argue with an idiot, he will only drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

(in reply to wobbly)

Post #: 71

Try this............. - 6/2/2003 6:18:01 PM

Raverdave

Posts: 6520
Joined: 2/8/2002
From: Melb. Australia
Status: offline

Hey Wobbly, something that I have done in a few PBEM games is to launch an counter-attack within one week of PM falling. Usually with the 7th Divison and a heap of fast transport (DDs CAs CLs & BBs). The IJN will still be a little weak (and most likely very drunk) from their victory. It will be the LAST thing that he will be expecting and will force him to pull more and more troops in to counter your counter attack.
As I said it is only a thought, but it has worked for me twice now in PBEMs.

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Post #: 72

- 6/3/2003 6:05:07 AM

wobbly

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Things are quiet for this turn, no attacks in the combat report. However, the strategic situation is getting heated.
In the Solomons the undamaged part of my surface fleet make it back to Luganville, the damaged ships are still crawling their way back. No Bettie attacks is a good thing though.
Nothing much has changed over at NG except we have lost the whereabouts of his CV force. I have a feeling, job done, they are retreating back towards Rabaul or Shortland. From where they were positioned though I wouldn't have thought they could make it all the way through the Gili Straights. I have a nasty feeling that the Brisbane TF and the PM TF might be joining forces - that could cause problems.

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Post #: 73

- 6/3/2003 6:26:18 AM

wobbly

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Interesting idea raver: I don't know if I have the troops and naval assets to pull it off - it is only the 20th of June. I don't know the exact composition of my Aussie troops, from memory I have the initial starting troops- minus most of the NG force - the Aussie Batt initially stationed at PM has been savaged but has retreated to Lea Lea (very tired and tattered), also a few PBY fulls of the unit at Cookstown has been to Marilinan and Lea Lea so is understrength. All of the 3rd is at Townsville and I have one Batt from one other division (can't remember ) just arrived.
I have the transport ships to pull off the endevour - I've only lost 2; but my warships - especially CA's - have taken a pounding. I have no BB's - don't get any for about 40 days.
He heavily outweighs me in surface forces, I managed to do some damage to him by sneak runs of surface forces into his landing zones - he wont have to sneak.
I can't cover the landing forces with aircraft from Oz so i need to have Carriers cover the forces - we haven't had any CV attacks yet so his CV's are all fine and dandy - he will most definately attack me with CV's. Even if I win that encounter - I will be damaged and likely have to retire; then he has free reign. If I don't win then he will decimate me.
Most importantly is his force at PM though. He had 3 damaged Batts and a new one that he was bringing to finish the job - I think he has left it there. That makes more than a division of troops on the ground - I can only get 2-1 odds if I strip most of Oz - the west is still very bare of troops. Truk will still have heaps of troops so if my defenders are stuck in PM they can't defend Oz.

Am I being overly pessimistic?

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Post #: 74

- 6/3/2003 8:52:38 AM

Raverdave

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It will not matter if you strip Oz for the attack....he cannot even think of attacking Oz while PM is still being contested. It is just an idea that I have tried a few times and it has worked.....but there are some players out there whom I would NOT try this with.
On the up-side, the attack would really throw him off balance.

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Post #: 75

- 6/3/2003 6:46:03 PM

Attack Condor

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[I]originally posted by Raverdave[/I]
[QUOTE][B]Hey Wobbly, something that I have done in a few PBEM games is to launch an counter-attack within one week of PM falling. [/B][/QUOTE]

I had that very trick pulled on me by the IJN after I recaptured PM :(

And with the level bomber vs. TF change per v2.30, does the IJN still quake in their boots at the thought of approaching the coast of Oz?

Great AAR... keep it going :)

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Post #: 76

- 6/4/2003 3:24:12 AM

wobbly

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Two ships I scouted about 10 hexes above Koumac I was sure were the retiring Jap Brisbane Carriers. I sent my 5 carriers up west of Luganville in the hope of finding them - as you can see this did not happen.
What's more I cannot find any of his bloody carriers, and while mine are at see that is a very bad thing!! Therefore I have set every bomber squadron to 80% Naval search. I have also moved some fortresses from Noumea to Luganville and hopefully they have the range to recon Shortland so I can see if they are in the barn.
I have created the first FT TF from Townsville to get the men at Lea Lea - he still has many surface ships at PM so hope this comes off OK.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/21/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 29,32

Japanese Ships
MSW W20, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-46

The only action is good action - I hammer another of his MSW ships and it sinks - he has lost a hell of a lot of these mine sweepers - about 7.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Post #: 77

- 6/4/2003 5:04:47 PM

wobbly

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It is the end of the PM invasion and it is happening 1 turn too early! I have found his CVs again - he has 3 CV's and 1 CVL. I am making a very rash decision to attack. If he has more CVs there this will be a horrible mistake - I have been so good looking after my CV units so here it all goes in one big throw of the dice.
Alot against me here actually, I am quite a distance from him so have set the TF to react - could end up in Truk! I will also be along way from abort locations for hte planes to go to - everything revolves around the number of CV's he actually has. I am hoping on my side of the ledger there is LRCAP over the other TF's he has floating around.
He has also scouted my FT TF going north so again they abort.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/22/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Sub attack at 11,42

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 12,42

Japanese Ships
BB Yamato, Torpedo hits 1, on fire
DD Hatsukaze

Allied Ships
SS S-37

A dirty big strike on the Yamato!!! as has been so hotly debated - torpedoes: the only way to hurt the monster.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 11,42

Japanese Ships
AO Iro, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

These things burn like it's a family tradition so I hope this one does too.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Post #: 78

- 6/4/2003 5:42:25 PM

Raverdave

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Don't get too excited about the torp hit on BB Yamato, yes it is a great hit, but I have seen a jap BB hit with [B][I]5 torps[/I] [/B] and still sail away!:eek: Those suckers can take a lot of punishment!

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Post #: 79

- 6/5/2003 3:40:08 AM

wobbly

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No update just yet, Herbie has sent me the turn but I can't view it at work, you will have to wait until I get home.
However, he has stated in the top of his email that he has scouted my Carriers. This obviously means they did not react and attack - the element of surprise has been lost and I may as well retreat - or I may change tack and go over to Lunga to see what I can see. This is the problem when you rush!

Dave - agreed the Yamato is likely to shrug that hit off as you or I would a fly - but still nice to get a fish into the big boys - and notice how he scouts me but I can't repay the favour!!

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Post #: 80

- 6/5/2003 3:32:14 PM

wobbly

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As you can see nothing really happened.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/23/42

Weather: Rain

But you'd be wrong. As Herbie said he scouted my CV's, so there goes surprise. So I am changing tack and going after ships around Lunga. If he chases I will then retreat towards Luganville, but they really have to get back over towards Oz because I am following Raverdave and Condor's advice!!!

It looks as though I have more troops than I at first thought - the whole of the aussie 3rd is in Brisbane - well actually they are boarding ships (the whole of the 7th is in Townsville). I just scouted PM with 4 AC and it looks like he is retreating hte men he put in to take the place. Hence the need to get the CVs back over to Oz they will be the only aircover I can get for the landings. I am scouting again to make sure of this.

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Post #: 81

- 6/5/2003 6:29:44 PM

Raverdave

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I would not be looking to hit Lugna at this stage of the game, even on a hit and run raid. He has sighted your CVs and will be hunting for them. A better option is to allow them to be [I]seen[/I] in the Luganville area threatening Lugna. This will also have the added plus of diverting his attention from your impending strike at PM.

While we are on the subject of the counter-attack on PM, try and only use Fast TFs....stage all of your troops at Cairns (it is the closest port to PM). There is now way that you will be able to ship one Divison in one go, more likely you will have to make two, maybe even three trips, depends on how many CAs CLs and DDs you have still.

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Post #: 82

- 6/5/2003 6:51:24 PM

Luskan

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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Raverdave
[B]I would not be looking to hit Lugna at this stage of the game, even on a hit and run raid. He has sighted your CVs and will be hunting for them. A better option is to allow them to be [I]seen[/I] in the Luganville area threatening Lugna. This will also have the added plus of diverting his attention from your impending strike at PM.

While we are on the subject of the counter-attack on PM, try and only use Fast TFs....stage all of your troops at Cairns (it is the closest port to PM). [/B][/QUOTE]

Fascinating old chum - do go on! ;)
I'm ready for exactly that you bastard!!!!! :D

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Post #: 83

- 6/6/2003 4:33:58 AM

wobbly

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Plan B comes off as we would hope, but the operation is bordering on being a failure.
The idea was to surprise the Jap CV's while they had fighters doing LRCAP duties. This did not occur and since I really want to fight a CV-CV action in my own waters it would be foolish to continue to close - his ships would be in fighting trim ready to receive an airborne assault.
So plan B started rolling and this was to change the angle of attack and go after Lunga - Dave i hear your worries but it was a 1 day trip so the abortive move toward his CV's in the NG area could be considered a feint - his CV's had too far to travel (this was why I did not react last turn).
Well my ships got in range - found a transport TF and smashed it. However, for some reason Herb had moved about 6 TF's up to midway between Russel Island and Woodlark Island (mid ocean) - I only send a very diminutive strike against these guys - who have no CAP!!!

In retrospect I didn't have enough scouting up - Of the 10 dauntless squadrons only 4 are were set to 10% search. I was relying on the seagulls - which is a hang over from playing the Japs where you have excellent float planes - seagulls are rubbish I want albatrosses :D

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/24/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Air attack on TF, near Lunga at 38,40

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 27
F4F-4 Wildcat x 52
SBD Dauntless x 168
TBD Devastator x 74

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Kembu Maru, Bomb hits 8, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kensho Maru, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Katsuragisan Maru, Bomb hits 5, Torpedo hits 1, on fire, heavy damage

BANG - these all sink.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 13
B-25D Mitchell x 24

Allied aircraft losses
Hudson x 2 damaged
B-25D Mitchell x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
AP Kiyozumi Maru
DD Shiokaze
AP Koyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hokaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet

Knowing he can't use his CV fighters as CAP while my carriers are there - these guys might be uncovered - so all LRB was set to naval attack. It pays off.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 12

Allied aircraft losses
B-17E Fortress x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hokaze
DD Shiokaze
AP Kiyozumi Maru

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 30,42

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 4
SBD Dauntless x 15

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 3 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 13 damaged

Japanese Ships
CL Natori, Bomb hits 1, on fire
BB Hiei

Here is the only strike against the massing TF's mid ocean - 1 hit for many damaged. One squadron attacks and they are very unhappy moral wise after this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
Hudson x 10
B-25D Mitchell x 15

no losses

Japanese Ships
AP Koyo Maru, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
AP Kiyozumi Maru
DD Shiokaze
DD Hokaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet
1 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
2 x Hudson at 6000 feet
3 x B-25D Mitchell at 6000 feet
4 x Hudson at 6000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF, near Gili Gili at 17,42

Allied aircraft
B-17E Fortress x 9

no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Shiokaze
AP Koyo Maru, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage
DD Hokaze

Attacking Level Bombers:
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet
3 x B-17E Fortress at 6000 feet

The Koyo Maru hasn't sunk but the writing must be on the wall.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, what to do now. I think I will follow my plans and have the CV's move back towards Luganville, top up the tanks, rest the pilots - the fighters have been on 3 days 70-80% CAP and are starting to get unhappy. To face a CV-CV fight now would have me on the back foot - I have tired crews, he does not; I am in his waters.

The surface unit returning to Cooktown has refueled, and in the absence of CVs and surface units has put to sea to try another FT run.

Dave, I seriously doubt I have the shipping to move the division in via fast transport at the moment. With current lift capacity it would take 5 turns or so - he would obviously react and the inital landings would be attacked piecemeal by his troops stationed there.... Is a slow transport attack doomed to failure? Also I read on a previous post that you loose 10% of your troops if you FT - is this true?

Can someone explain this to me: I had a CV fighter sqd that I moved off the Yorktown to try and force it to upgrade to F4F-4s. It didn't but when the Lex's fighters did upgrade it allowed the Yorks to add more F4F-3s. I moved the unit back on to the York and now I look at it it has turned into a size 24 sqd with 12 planes in reserve!!!! I had no wildcat units in Noumea - or in SOPAC for that matter - that weren't off CVs for me to get confused over! Obviously I want as many planes up as I can get, so whats the guts? They are still a navy sqd - not magically turned to marines - but they are size 24!!!

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Post #: 84

- 6/6/2003 6:52:32 AM

Raverdave

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Hmmmm....a slow is indeed a worry....you don't have the CAP that can cover your TF all the way to PM just yet, unless you use your CVs and that is something that I would not do just yet. As he would simply send his CVs south to counter your move. Regardless of how many CVs you have, the IJN is by far much more stronger at this point of the game, and in all honesty apart from a few hit and runs, I would park them in port or simply sail them between Brisbane and Noumea for training. At least until Jan '43. Then it is hunting time!

If you don't have the lift capacity then don't even try it.

I have not seen my troops effected by a 10% loss when being fast TFed....where did you read this?

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Post #: 85

- 6/6/2003 7:13:45 AM

wobbly

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I read it in another thread, noone refuted it at the time and I think I posted "are you sure about loosing 10%" but again got no response. Your reply is the first I've had.
I think I will turn the transport TF around - I was of the opinion it was a hiding to nothing. As you so rightly say the fact I have used my carriers in hit and run would change as soon as the had to look after slow transport TF's.

Do you have any idea what's going on with my wildcat sqd???

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Post #: 86

- 6/6/2003 3:11:36 PM

Raverdave

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Sorry can't help you with the wildcats...I have not seen something like that before.:(

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Post #: 87

- 6/6/2003 6:13:21 PM

wobbly

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I keep retreating east and he keeps following - it appears he had a small surface fleet ready to attack ships that went to Wunpuko or some such. With the extra search planes up I find them this time and sink them all.
This would be fine if he wasn't following so hard. Obviously my bombers and fighters are a really tired now!
I am running out of map so the plan is to change the fighters from high to low CAP percentage and hope for no attack this turn. I will then be within my waters with a semi rested attack force. I will then look to met out some punishment and hope for as little damage as possible. If he keeps coming the lines of escape for my forces become smaller and hopefully damaged ships can make it to Noumea and then Pearl. He will have to trek one hell of a long way home!
My fast transport force has turned into a surface force and is going ot try and get into a better position to attack his forces in Gili.
I have launched another FT force - smaller- to try and pick up some troops. Make hay while the CV's are on the other side of the map.
AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/25/42

Weather: Clear

Sub attack at 17,44

Japanese Ships
AP Toei Maru

Allied Ships
SS S-38

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 18,43

Japanese Ships
AP Shinai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, on fire

Allied Ships
SS Tautog

Japanese ground losses:
Men lost 11

I think these are some of the retreating PM troops.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 12,42

Japanese Ships
AP Hokkai Maru, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 30th Aus Brigade, at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 17
G3M Nell x 8

no losses

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x G3M Nell at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 6
TBD Devastator x 14

Allied aircraft losses
TBD Devastator x 1 destroyed
TBD Devastator x 4 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze
DD Yukaze
DD Numakaze

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 12
SBD Dauntless x 17
TBD Devastator x 13

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 3 damaged
TBD Devastator x 1 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze
DD Yukaze
DD Numakaze, Bomb hits 3, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
SBD Dauntless x 66
TBD Devastator x 13

Allied aircraft losses
SBD Dauntless x 2 damaged

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze, Bomb hits 2, on fire, heavy damage
DD Numakaze, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage
DD Yukaze, Bomb hits 6, on fire, heavy damage

These all sink.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 34
TBD Devastator x 13

no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Hatakaze, Bomb hits 5, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
SBD Dauntless x 20
TBD Devastator x 13

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 22
TBD Devastator x 12

no losses

Japanese Ships
DD Yukaze, on fire, heavy damage

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-4 Wildcat x 5
SBD Dauntless x 29
TBD Devastator x 9

no losses

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 45,49

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 15
F4F-4 Wildcat x 9
SBD Dauntless x 92
TBD Devastator x 38

no losses

Yike look at that. That's alot of fatigue for nothing accomplished!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sub attack at 12,42

Japanese Ships
AP Hokkai Maru, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Greenling

Greenling is out of torps and is the sub with damaged aft tubes - she is heading to Noumea then Pearl for a refit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Post #: 88

- 6/7/2003 8:42:08 AM

wobbly

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First blood goes to Herbie although he pays rather heavily for it. He manages to get close enough to attack and of course I had my CAP at a low %. In the end weather saves my arsenal as the afternoon strikes launch against Luganville.
I am in a pretty pickle though as he has 2 CV groups. Todays strikes only came from one so the other is fresh.
My plan is to defend/attack one at a time - a la Napolean! Rather than moving south which I think is what he think I intend - I will go North - just 4 hexes. I have also made 2 new TFs in Luganville Harbour. One built around the mighty Long Island - and made as a Air TF - it has about 16 warships and another TF with 1 PG and an MSW. The air TF is on "no react" and is following the surface TF - which is going nowhere.

OK, so the enemy CV TF's are quite far apart - the one I just tangoed with is about 9 hexes from the south western one. In a perfect world this is what will happen. Herb will move his Northern CV's east and slightly South. His Southern TF does the same but goes further south - it wants to close the door on me.
I have gone North and not very far which hopefully means I am in range of the Northern TF - but not the southern - and my windindicators are also able to reach.
He now has 2 targets - both air TFs - but one has 1 sqd of P-39s over it while the other has 3 & 1/2 sqds of wildcats over it. Hopefully he chooses to attack the easier Long Island group - loosing planes to CAP and especially AAA. While my full weight falls on the Northern group.

The weather forecast is for thunderstorms so that is going to throw all sorts of variables into the mix. My Long island TF may be weathered in. My Northern group may be weathered in and he gets unrestricted attacks against the Long Island group - and round and round we go. Man this is tense!

Over in NG my surface attack group did not move - I set them to move - they have not refueled; they just haven't moved!

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/26/42

Weather: Partly Cloudy

Sub attack at 12,43

Japanese Ships
AP Hokkai Maru, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS Grenadier

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on 30th Aus Brigade, at 9,39

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 20
G3M Nell x 13

no losses

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 47

Attacking Level Bombers:
13 x G3M Nell at 5000 feet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 48,46

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 24
A6M3 Zero x 10

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 8
F4F-4 Wildcat x 7
SBD Dauntless x 17

no losses

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
F4F-3 Wildcat x 1 damaged
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 12 destroyed
SBD Dauntless x 8 damaged

LT Y. Shiga of DII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 3

LCDR M. Leslie of VB-3 bails out WOUNDED and is RESCUED

Japanese Ships
CV Akagi

Nothing close - I am bombing from 15,000 ft his fighters are all having to climb - don't know if he has noticed this yet. I am doing this because if you injure a ship and then a size 9 group attacks it they often score many hits.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on TF at 55,48

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 18
D3A Val x 19
B5N Kate x 32

Allied aircraft
F4F-3 Wildcat x 22
F4F-4 Wildcat x 21

Japanese aircraft losses
A6M2 Zero x 5 destroyed
A6M2 Zero x 1 damaged
D3A Val x 13 destroyed
D3A Val x 10 damaged
B5N Kate x 16 destroyed
B5N Kate x 10 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
F4F-4 Wildcat x 1 destroyed

LTJG R. Hoyle of VF-6 is credited with kill number 6

Allied Ships
DD Anderson
CV Lexington, Bomb hits 1
CV Enterprise
CV Yorktown

1 hit to the lex by a level bombing Kate - its a good one too 30 SYS dmage!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air attack on Luganville , at 53,53

Japanese aircraft
A6M2 Zero x 25
A6M3 Zero x 9
D3A Val x 34
B5N Kate x 8

Allied aircraft
P-400 Airacobra x 5

Japanese aircraft losses
D3A Val x 10 damaged
B5N Kate x 2 damaged

Allied aircraft losses
P-400 Airacobra x 3 destroyed

PO2 J.Nagahama of DII-1 Daitai is credited with kill number 2

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 13

Airbase hits 5
Airbase supply hits 1
Runway hits 24

Attacking Level Bombers:
8 x B5N Kate at 5000 feet

Weather favours me here and he attacks Luganville in all he lost 21 Kates and 18 Vals - don't know how many are damaged but the Northern group must be little more toothless. I still have 410 planes.
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Sub attack at 13,43

Japanese Ships
AP Hokkai Maru, Torpedo hits 1, heavy damage

Allied Ships
SS S-40

After many attempts we put a torp in this sucker and she goes down.
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(in reply to wobbly)

Post #: 89

- 6/8/2003 10:01:52 AM

wobbly

Posts: 1095
Joined: 10/16/2002
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
Status: offline

After all that planning and the what ifs he has retreated. I will keep everyone at full readiness and move back toward Noumea - Lex is at 34% now and a size 4 fire. She will have to go back to Pearl.

Not much else happening - over in NG the surface unit I changed from a FT TF has acted super crazy. It refuses to move in the direction I want so I have turned it to retreat - strange. The transport TF I was after in Gili is now retreating anyway.

AFTER ACTION REPORTS FOR 06/27/42

Weather: Thunderstorms

Ground combat at Marilinan

Japanese Deliberate attack

Attacking force 6928 troops, 84 guns, 0 vehicles

Defending force 70 troops, 0 guns, 0 vehicles

Japanese assault odds: 93 to 1 (fort level 1)

Japanese forces CAPTURE Marilinan base !!!

Allied ground losses:
Men lost 91

At last the whole of NG is Japanese.
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(in reply to wobbly)

Post #: 90